Cat breed Toyger cat

Profile

ORIGINUSA

APPEARANCEMedium-sized, athletic

WEIGHTFemale 3 – 4.5 kg, Male 4.5 – 6.5 kg

COATShort, dense, soft, shiny

PATTERNDark stripes on a bronze-coloured background (modified mackerel tabby)

COLOURBrown-black striped with golden and reddish highlights

EYES Gold to deep green

CHARACTERIntelligent, playful, people-oriented

SPECIAL FEATURESDistinctive tiger-like coat, wide face, long body

ACTIVITY

History of the Toyger cat

The Toyger is a modern breed of cat known for its tiger-like appearance. But Toygers are so much more! Breeder Judy Sugden first began developing these special cats in the U.S. back in the 1980s. Her goal was to breed a domestic cat with a coat pattern reminiscent of a real tiger. By mating domestic tabby cats with Bengals, she created an exciting new breed that would go on to be officially recognised in 2007. The Toyger is known for its wildcat-like appearance and its friendly, affectionate nature.

Appearance of the Toyger cat

Toyger cats have a beautiful coat pattern and an elegant physique that’s reminiscent of a tiger. Their bodies are muscular and athletic, their gait supple and elegant. The striking dark stripes on their golden to copper-coloured coat are particularly eye-catching and give Toygers an exotic appearance. Their short, silky coat shines in the light and makes them even more beautiful. Their almond-shaped eyes shine golden, green or amber-coloured. The small, slightly forward-slanting ears and well-proportioned build emphasise their wild yet elegant appearance.

Size of the Toyger cat

The Toyger cat is a medium-sized breed with a particularly elegant appearance that results from its slender build and long legs. Males reach a shoulder height of approximately 25 to 30 cm, while females are often somewhat smaller. The Toyger’s long, slender body appears quite imposing thanks to its powerful muscles. Despite its size, however, the Toyger is very nimble and agile. This combination of strength and grace makes it a unique and fascinating creature.

Weight of the Toyger cat

An adult male Toyger usually weighs between 4 and 7 kg, while the females usually come in at between 3 and 5 kg. Despite their slender build, they have well-developed muscles which give them a powerful and athletic appearance. Their weight depends on their individual constitution, diet and level of activity. By making sure your Toyger gets enough exercise, you’ll be helping them maintain a healthy weight and giving them a better chance at leading a happy, active life.

Coat of the Toyger cat

The characteristic coat of the Toyger is a beautiful sight to behold! It is short, dense and has an exceptionally silky texture. Thanks to its special structure, the coat is able to reflect the light, which further enhances the shimmering wild-cat look. The beautiful striped pattern runs over the entire body, lending the Toyger its unmistakable tiger coat. The best thing: the fur pattern is visible not only on the flanks, but also on the head and legs …

Coat colour of the Toyger cat

The Toyger captivates onlookers with its golden to copper-coloured coat, which is streaked with deep black or dark brown stripes. These stripes are often arranged in a swirling pattern, giving it a unique, wild appearance. Another striking feature is the metallic lustre of the Toyger’s fur, which is caused by the reflection of light, prompting the coat to shine in the sun.

Coat length of the Toyger cat

The Toyger cat’s short, dense coat lies close to its body and feels wonderfully soft and velvety. It’s also very easy to care for, as it hardly tangles and can easily be kept in shape with the help of weekly brushing.

Coat pattern of the Toyger cat

The tiger markings of the Toyger cat are unique: these broad, irregular stripes run vertically across the body, often with small, delightful bifurcations. This pattern is the result of selective breeding. The dark stripes stand out against the warm golden colour of the coat. These markings are not only found on the cat’s body but also on its head, legs and tail.

Eyes of the Toyger cat

The Toyger cat’s eyes are large, almond-shaped and shine in the intense colour of gold, green or amber. The gaze of these delightful cats is intelligent and attentive, with the dark rims around their eyes also emphasising their exotic look and expression. Toygers communicate a lot through their eyes – you’ll be able to tell very quickly whether they’re curious, playful or relaxed.

Special features of the Toyger cat

Toyger cats have an exotic appearance and a loving, affectionate character. They are intelligent cats that are eager to learn and enjoy spending time with housemates. Their playful temperament makes them lively companions who are always up for things like clicker training and fetching games. Their close bond with “their” humans – whom they love to follow around the house – is particularly striking. Despite their high level of activity, they’re also adaptable and will feel quite at home indoors.

Key attributes of the Toyger cat

One attribute that immediately catches the eye is the Toyger cat’s beautiful tabby coat, which gives it the appearance of a small tiger. Its body is muscular yet elegant, with long legs and smooth movements. It has a long, strong tail, small, round ears and large, almond-shaped eyes. Another particularly striking attribute is the lustre of the Toyger’s fur, which reflects the light and gives it an impressive, wild appearance.

Character of the Toyger cat

Toyger cats are true rays of sunshine! They’re wonderful companions and loyal souls through and through! These felines love spending time with their two- and four-legged friends and tend to demand attention in very affectionate ways. With their playful and intelligent nature, they’re real treasures and great companions! Their gentle and friendly nature makes them perfect family cats that also get on well with other pets, especially if they get accustomed to the company of other animals at an early age.

Price of the Toyger cat

Toyger cats are a very special breed, and this fact is also reflected in the price of acquiring one of them. A cute Toyger kitten from a reputable breeder will cost between €1,500 and €4,000. The price will depend on the coat pattern, breeding line and pedigree. Cats with intense tiger markings tend to be slightly more expensive. Before buying a Toyger cat, please remember that in addition to the purchase price, you’ll also need to factor in the ongoing cost of high-quality food, visits to the vet and a whole bunch of toys and accessories your new friend is going to need in order to lead a happy life in your home.

Breeding of the Toyger cat

Toyger cats are the result of a careful breeding process that managed to bring to life the striking appearance of a tiger in the body of a domestic cat. The starting point for this unique breed was a group of domestic tabby cats with especially eye-catching stripes. In order to intensify their markings, they were crossed with Bengal cats, which are known for their high-contrast coat patterns. The genes of Indian street cats, which are noted for their athletic build and exotic, wildcat-like appearance, were also incorporated into the breeding of the Toyger. The result of this loving and targeted selection is today’s Toyger – a cat with a gentle character and impressive tiger markings.

Things to know about keeping and caring for the Toyger cat

Toygers are very social cats that need lots of activity. This includes things like large scratching posts, interactive toys and climbing frames, all of which are ideal for keeping them mentally and physically active. Their short, silky coat is easy to care for and only needs to be brushed occasionally. Toygers form close bonds with their owners, which means they don’t like to be left alone for long. If you’re going to be away from home a lot, it’s a good idea to get a playmate for your Toyger!

The Toyger kitten

Toyger kittens are as sweet as sugar! These mini tigers are curious, playful and learn very quickly. We recommend that you get them used to different environments, noises and people right from the start so that they can grow up confidently and with lots of social experience. They need plenty of love and attention and a variety of activities. The best way to foster their natural curiosity is by giving them intelligent toys to play with. A well-structured home with safe places they can retreat to is important for their well-being.

Typical diseases of the Toyger cat

Toygers are considered to be a particularly robust breed of cat. However, there are some lines that are susceptible to the genetic heart disease known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). But don’t worry: reputable breeders will always test their animals to minimise the risk. Dental problems can also occur, but you can help your cat avoid these by properly caring for their teeth. A balanced diet, sufficient exercise and regular visits to the vet will keep your Toyger healthy over the long term.

Life expectancy of the Toyger cat

Toyger cats can live up to 15 years, sometimes even longer. To ensure that they’re as fit as possible throughout their lives, it’s important to provide them with a healthy diet, regular exercise and good veterinary care. Toygers are adorable cats that are very active and social – they like to stay busy and definitely need company. This will keep them happy and satisfied. If you provide your Toyger with a lifestyle that’s appropriate to their breed, it will be your loyal feline friend for many years to come.

Frequently asked questions about the Toyger cat

How much does a Toyger cat cost?

If you’re interested in acquiring a Toyger cat, you should know that you’ll likely have to pay between €1,500 and €4,000 to get one. Toygers with very high-contrast markings are usually a bit more expensive. And don’t forget that in addition to the purchase price, you’ll also need to pay ongoing costs for food, visits to the vet, toys and accessories. If you’ve made your final decision and you’re sure you want one of these mini-tigers in your life, the next step is to contact a reputable breeder – and then expect with some waiting time.

How old do Toyger cats get?

If you take loving care of your adorable Toygers, they can live up to 15 years. Just make sure they have a healthy diet, get plenty of exercise and go to the vet on a regular basis. They’re also going to need a stress-free environment, lots of mental activity and the right company. With love, attention and patience, you can give your Toyger a long and happy life!

What does a Toyger cat look like?

The Toyger is a medium-sized cat breed with an exotic character that will charm anyone who crosses its path. Male Toygers reach a shoulder height of 25 to 30 cm, while their female counterparts are usually somewhat smaller. The athletic, slender build of both genders often makes them appear larger than they actually are. Their long legs and smooth gait give them an elegant appearance reminiscent of the majestic movements of a big tiger.

How big do Toyger cats get?

When are Toyger cats fully grown?

Toyger cats are a “late bloomer” breed. hey only reach their final size at around two to three years of age. They grow very quickly in the first few months, but their full physical development – especially the growth of their muscles – takes a little longer. During this time, they need a protein-rich diet and plenty of exercise in order to develop optimally. The older they get, the smoother and more graceful their gait becomes.

Should Toyger cats be kept indoors or outdoors?

Toyger cats are wonderful flatmates. They’re very people-orientated cats and love contact with their fellow felines. If possible, these kitties would love to be able to wander around outside. But if you’d prefer to give them protected access to the great outdoors, you can also fence in your garden or balcony in a cat-friendly way. For example, if you live in the city, a secure balcony and/or an outdoor enclosure are ideal ways to let your cat enjoy the fresh air without being exposed to dangers such as road traffic.

Where does the Toyger cat come from?

The Toyger first saw the light of day in the 1980s in the U.S. Breeder Judy Sugden came up with the wonderful idea of breeding a domestic cat that resembled a tiger but had the friendly and trusting temperament of a domestic cat. In order to enhance the beautiful striped pattern, she crossed domestic tabby cats with Bengal cats. The breed was officially recognised in 2007 and has become increasingly popular since then.

Are Toyger cats playful?

The Toyger is a very playful, curious and active cat! New owners will soon notice how much these cats love to climb, chase and play with interactive toys. You’ll be surprised how quickly they learn new tricks and how skilfully they’re able to retrieve small objects. Fans of Toyger cats are always delighted at how much these cats love to play with them. Toygers also enjoy joint activities like clicker training and hunting games with a cat fishing rod.

Which cat breeds are suitable playmates for the Toyger cat?

Toygers will enjoy feline playmates that are just as social and active as they are. Bengals, Abyssinians and Ocicats are particularly suitable as they have similar levels of energy. But calm cats can also be wonderful companions – just as long as they’re also patient. For cats to live together in harmony, it’s very important that they’re well socialised.

How active are Toyger cats?

Toygers are very energetic cats that need plenty of exercise and activity. These little tigers love to climb! Plus they’re skilful jumpers and very good at interactive games. Scratching posts and toys that foster their intelligence are ideal for keeping them physically and mentally busy. Toygers also develop very close bonds with their owners, so they’ll always want to be close to you and demand playtime together.

Can Toygers be kept alone as only cats?

Toygers are trusting cats that long for both human and feline company. So if you know you’re going to be away from home a lot, it’s best if your Toyger has a suitable companion to prevent them from feeling lonely and unhappy. That way, when you get home, this little tiger will sweeten your day with its loving and cheerful nature!

Are Toyger cats sociable?

Toyger cats are very sociable, trusting and love to be around their housemates. These cats will often follow you everywhere and take an active part of your in life. They’ll also generally get on well with other animals if you give them the opportunity to get used to them. Their friendly and affectionate nature makes them an ideal family cat with a high cuddle factor!

Are Toyger cats susceptible to particular diseases?

The Toyger is generally considered to be very robust cat. One typical disease to which some Toygers are susceptible is the heart disease known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). But don’t worry: reputable breeders will always have their animals regularly tested for hereditary diseases. Dental care and a balanced diet are also easy to implement in your cat’s everyday life; these will help avoid typical diseases and keep your furry friend fit and healthy.

What are the key characteristics of Toyger cats?

Toyger cats have a muscular, lithe build with long legs and a long tail. One of their most striking features is their shiny, short coat with its distinctive tiger stripe pattern. Their large, almond-shaped eyes shine bright in a warm gold or fresh green colour. Their movements are graceful and they always have a close bond with their owners. Their intelligent and social nature makes them very unique little treasures.

Is the Toyger cat an actual tiger?

The adorable Toyger is a very special cat! While its appearance makes it look like a wild tiger, its gentle and affectionate nature is typical of the domestic cat it is. The aim of breeding the Toyger was to combine the impressive appearance of a big cat with the friendly character of a domestic feline – and what a success it’s been!